System and method for suppressing fires
A fire suppression apparatus includes a canister containing a non-azide solid propellant chemical that generates an oxygen-displacing gas mixture when ignited; a pyrotechnic device associated with the canister for initiating ignition of the solid propellant chemical to generate the oxygen-displacing gas mixture; and at least one filter associated with the canister for filtering out contents of the oxygen-displacing gas mixture to result in a clean agent fire suppressant deliverable into a space. The fire suppression apparatus is preferably configured for use in fire suppression systems for normally occupied spaces.
1. A fire suppression apparatus comprising:
a canister containing a non-azide solid propellant chemical that generates an oxygen-displacing gas mixture when ignited;
a pyrotechnic device associated with the canister for initiating ignition of the solid propellant chemical to generate the oxygen-displacing gas mixture; and
at least one filter associated with the canister for filtering out contents of the oxygen-displacing gas mixture to result in a clean agent fire suppressant deliverable into a space.
2. The fire suppression apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the clean agent fire suppressant contains from about 0 to about five percent by weight of carbon dioxide.
3. The fire suppression apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the clean agent fire suppressant contains from about 0 to about 3 percent by weight of carbon dioxide.
4. The fire suppression apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one filter is capable of filtering out substantially all carbon dioxide from the oxygen-displacing gas mixture.
5. The fire suppression apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one filter is capable of filtering out liquid water from the oxygen-displacing gas mixture such that any water vapor in the fire-suppressant is maintained above its dew point in the space.
6. The fire suppression apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one screen configured to cause a reduction in temperature of the fire suppressant.
7. The fire suppression apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the at least one screen is incorporated as part of the canister.
8. A fire suppression system comprising:
a tower; and
at least one fire suppression apparatus as defined in claim 1 integrated with the tower to deliver the fire suppressant into the space.
9. The fire suppression system of claim 8 , wherein the tower comprises a mounting flange adapted to receive mounting bolts for securing the tower to a floor in the space.
10. The fire suppression system of claim 8 , further comprising a diffuser secured to the tower for directing the fire suppressant into the space.